This is an upgrade on the previous equipment also purchased by the Friends in 2013. The new equipment only needs one nurse to operate it, so saves precious staff time, as well as being technologically more advanced.

What does the Doppler do? Your GP may suggest a Doppler examination if you show symptoms of decreased blood flow in the arteries or veins of your legs. The test is totally painless. The ultrasound waves are recorded and turned into images or graphs on a monitor.

The first machine was credited with saving one patient from having to have a leg amputated in its first six months of operation in 2014. Let’s hope the new kit can be even more effective.

If you bought a raffle ticket outside the surgery before Christmas, or subscribe to the Friends 100 Club, then you contributed to this. Thank you from all the staff, the Friends and patients past, present and future.